Oral care compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to oral care compositions with improved flavor release characteristics and improved taste, and methods of using the same.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/289,444 filed on 23 Dec. 2009, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals desire a “bright” smile and white teeth, and considerdull and stained teeth cosmetically unattractive. Unfortunately, withoutpreventive or remedial measures, stained teeth are almost inevitable dueto the absorbent nature of dental material. Everyday activities such assmoking or other oral use of tobacco products, and eating, chewing ordrinking certain foods and beverages (in particular coffee, tea and redwine), cause undesirable staining of surfaces of teeth. Staining canalso result from microbial activity, including that associated withdental plaque. The chromogens or color causing substances in thesematerials become part of the pellicle layer and can permeate the enamellayer. Even with regular brushing and flossing, years of chromogenaccumulation can impart noticeable tooth discoloration.

There are a variety of compositions described in the art for preventingor treating the discoloration of teeth. In particular, to combatstaining and brighten or restore the natural enamel color, a variety ofproducts containing bleaching materials are commercially available forprofessional and consumer use. The materials most commonly used in teethwhitening today are peroxides. Peroxides are generally deemed safe froma physiological standpoint, and can be effective to whiten teeth. Suchperoxides include hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, sodiumperborate, and sodium percarbonate. When these peroxides are inappropriate contact with teeth they will usually oxidize stains,rendering teeth whiter.

Professional dental treatments frequently include a tooth surfacepreparation such as acid etching followed by the application of highlyconcentrated bleaching solutions (e.g., up to 37% hydrogen peroxide)and/or the application of heat or light. These procedures provide rapidresults, but are expensive, and often require several trips to thedentist. Alternatively, at-home bleaching systems can be used. Thesesystems have gained significant popularity in the past decade because ofreduced cost, and increased convenience. Instead of time consuming andfrequent trips to the dentist, the tooth whitener is purchased at aconsumer retail store and may be easily integrated into the dailyhygiene program.

Current home treatment methods include abrasive toothpastes, toothpastesthat produce oxides, whitening gels for use with a dental tray andwhitening strips. The effectiveness of such techniques depends on avariety of factors including the type and intensity of the stain,bleaching agent contact time on the teeth, the amount of availablebleaching active in the composition, and consumer compliance.Effectiveness is also dependent on the amount of bleaching active in thecomposition, the ability of the active to be released during use, andthe stability of the active in the product. However, the effectivenessof many of these treatments is adversely affected because ofdeficiencies in one or more factors relating to the composition andconsumer compliance.

The use of surfactants in dentifrice compositions is well known in theart. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,402 reports dentrificecompositions, wherein a nonionic surfactant is present in the amount of1.2% w/w; and U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0071695 discloses sodiumlauryl sulfate in an amount of 1.2% by weight.

It also is known to incorporate sodium lauryl sulfate in whiteningdentifrices having moderate to high levels of water. Most aqueousnon-peroxide commercial whitening dentifrices include at most 1.2%sodium lauryl sulfate by weight. However, to maintain peroxide stabilityin peroxide-containing whitening dentifrices, a low water system isrequired which can impart negative taste attributes due to lower flavorrelease and peroxide taste. For example, low water formulations ofsuperior whitening formulations containing 1-2% hydrogen peroxide having1.2% sodium lauryl sulfate showed poor flavor release in spite ofcontaining a flavor content of 2.25% by weight, which exceeds the normalflavor level from 1% to 1.5%. In dentifrices containing low levels ofwater or which are substantially nonaqueous, such conventional lowlevels of sodium lauryl sulfate result in poor flavor release onbrushing and consequently an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Thus, there is an ongoing need for whitening oral care compositions thathave an improved flavor release thereby providing an enhancedorganoleptic testing experience.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present invention provide oral care compositionshaving improved flavor and flavor release characteristics. Someembodiments comprise a whitening agent, an anionic surfactant in anamount from 1.75 to 2% w/w, and an orally acceptable carrier having alow water content.

In some embodiments, the whitening oral care composition is a singlephase composition having improved flavor, comprising a peroxidewhitening agent, an anionic surfactant, and a substantially anhydrousorally acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the anionic surfactantcomprises sodium lauryl sulfate. In some embodiments, the anionicsurfactant is present in an amount from 1.75% to 2% w/w. In furtherembodiments, the anionic surfactant is present in an amount from 1.8% to2.0% w/w. In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant is present in anamount from 1.8% to 2.0% w/w. In other embodiments, the anionicsurfactant is present in an amount from 1.9% to 2.0% w/w. Still furtherembodiments provide oral care compositions in which the anionicsurfactant is present in the amount of 2.0% w/w.

In some embodiments, the whitening agent is selected from the groupconsisting of: hydrogen peroxide; a bound peroxide; and a solid. In someembodiments, the bound peroxide comprises hydrogen peroxide and apolymer. In some embodiments, the bound peroxide comprises any peroxidecompound and a porous cross-linked polymer, such as polymers ofpolyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylates, a polymethacrylates, and apolyitaconates. In some embodiments, the solid peroxide is sodiumperborate or urea peroxide.

Other aspects of the invention provide methods of whitening teeth bycontacting one or more tooth surface(s) with the whitening dentifricecompositions described herein.

Compositions and methods described herein afford benefits overcompositions and methods known in the art. Such benefits include, interalia, enhanced flavor release characteristics resulting in improvedflavor availability and improved taste. Further benefits and embodimentswill be readily apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the artfrom a review of the detailed description set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “low water content” means the totalconcentration of water, including any free water and all water containedin any ingredients, is less than 4%.

As used herein, the term “whitening agent” refers to a material that iseffective in whitening a tooth surface to which it is applied.

As used herein, the term “peroxide compound” refers to an oxidizingcompound comprising a bivalent oxygen-oxygen group.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides oral carecompositions and methods for administration, or application to, a humanor other animal subject. As referred to herein, an “oral carecomposition” is any composition that is suitable for administration orapplication to the oral cavity of a human or animal subject forenhancing the health, hygiene or appearance of the subject. In someembodiments, an oral care composition is retained in the oral cavity fora time sufficient to affect the intended utility.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides single phasewhitening oral care compositions, comprising a whitening agent, sodiumlauryl sulfate in an amount from 1.75% to 2% w/w, and an orallyacceptable carrier having a low water content. In some embodiments, theoral care compositions of this invention provide highly efficaciouswhitening and cleaning while at the same time having an enhanced flavorrelease profile as determined by organoleptic evaluations.

In some embodiments, it is important that the water content of thecarrier be kept relatively low, and preferably substantially anhydrous.In some embodiments, the water content is less than 4% w/w. In otherembodiments, the water content is less than 2% w/w, while in otherembodiments, the water content is 0% w/w. The selection of the whiteningagent in conjunction with a carrier possessing a low water contentallows stabilized delivery of the whitening agent and provides improvedflavor release and taste. Significantly, the demonstrated improvement inflavor release and taste has not adversely affected the whiteningactivity of the compositions described herein.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a whitening agent. Insome embodiments, the whitening agent comprises a peroxide compound. Infurther embodiments, the whitening agent comprises a solid whiteningagent or a bound whitening agent which is a substantially anhydrousoxygen generating compound. By way of example and not exclusion, solidwhitening agents include peroxide compounds, metal chlorites, andpersulfate.

Exemplary peroxide compounds include hydroperoxides, hydrogen peroxide,peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals, organic peroxy compounds,peroxy acids, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, and mixturesthereof. Peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals include lithiumperoxide, potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, sodium percarborate,magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and mixturesthereof. Organic peroxy compounds include urea peroxide, glycerylhydrogen peroxide, alkyl hydrogen peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, alkylperoxy acids, peroxy esters, diacyl peroxides, benzoyl peroxide, andmonoperoxyphthalate, and mixtures thereof. Peroxy acids and their saltsinclude organic peroxy acids such as alkyl peroxy acids, andmonoperoxyphthalate and mixtures thereof, as well as inorganic peroxyacid salts such as and perborate salts of alkali and alkaline earthmetals such as lithium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium andbarium, and mixtures thereof. Preferred solid peroxides are sodiumperborate, sodium percarborate, urea peroxide, and mixtures thereof.Suitable metal chlorites include calcium chlorite, barium chlorite,magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, and potassiumchlorite. The whitening agent may be bound. For example, peroxide may bebound to a polymer such as PVP (poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone). Suitable PVPcomplexes are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,370, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. Linear PVP peroxide and cross-linked PVP peroxide sold asPeroxydone™ from ISP Corp. are also peroxide compounds useful aswhitening agents in the present invention. PVP peroxide can beeffectively produced by mixing linear PVP or cross-linked PVP withconcentrated liquid hydrogen peroxide in the dentifrice.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to use any known whiteningagent except sodium percarbonate and/or any of the percarbonate salts.In some embodiments, the peroxide compound comprises hydrogen peroxide.In some embodiments, the peroxide compound comprises from 0.1% to 50%w/w, preferably from 0.1% to 40% w/w, and more preferably from 0.1% to30% w/w, of the oral care composition. In further embodiments, theperoxide compound consists essentially of hydrogen peroxide. In yetother embodiments, the hydrogen peroxide delivered by the compositionsof the present invention is in an amount from 0.1% to 3% w/w, and ispreferably delivered in an amount from 1% to 2% w/w.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present comprise an orallyacceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier does notsubstantially reduce the efficacy of the active material. Selection ofspecific carrier components is dependant on the desired product form,including dentifrices, rinses, gels, and paints.

In some embodiments, the oral care composition is a dentifrice. By wayof example and not limitation, the term “dentifrice” as used throughoutthis description, denotes a paste, gel, toothpowder, dental tablet orliquid formulation. In some embodiments, the dentifrice deep striped,surface striped, or multilayered, having a gel surrounding the paste. Insome embodiments, the composition is used with a tape, tray, mouthpieceor similar appliance.

In some embodiments, the carrier is a low water content orallyacceptable carrier and may include any known ingredients or additives.In some embodiments, the water content of a single phase oral carecomposition is less than 4%, 2%, 1% or 0.1% w/w.

In a some embodiments, the orally acceptable carrier is substantiallyanhydrous. In some embodiments, the substantially anhydrous carrierfurther comprises various ingredients to adjust the rheology and feel ofthe composition such as humectants, surface active agents, thickening orgelling agents, etc. Suitable low water content carriers include but arenot limited to Pluraflo® L4370 and Pluracare® L1220, polytheylene glycolsuch PEG400, PEG600, PEG/PPG copolymers such as PEG/PPG 38/8 copolymer,PEG/PPG-116/66 copolymer sold as Pluracare L4370 and Pluracare L1220from BASF, respectively. Propylene glycol or glycerin may be present inan amount from 0% to 15% w/w.

In other embodiments, the compositions further comprise adhesion agents;viscosity modifiers; diluents; nonionic, cationic or amphotericsurfactants; foam modulators; peroxide activators; peroxide stabilizingagents; abrasives; pH modifying agents; humectants; mouth feel agents;sweeteners; flavoring agents; and colorants, or combinations of two ormore thereof. It is understood that while general attributes of each ofthe above categories of materials may differ, there may be some commonattributes and any given material may serve multiple purposes within twoor more of such categories of materials. One skilled in the art willrecognize that such additional materials are selected based uponcompatibility with the peroxide complex and with other components of thecomposition.

In some embodiments, the surfactant may enhance stability of theformulation, help clean the oral cavity surfaces through detergency, andprovide foam upon agitation, e.g., during brushing with a dentifricecomposition of the invention. Suitable anionic surfactants includewater-soluble salts of C₈₋₂₀ alkyl sulfates, sulfonated monoglyceridesof C₈₋₂₀ fatty acids, sarcosinates, taurates and mixtures thereof.Illustrative examples of these and other surfactants, in addition to thesodium lauryl sulfate are, sodium coconut monoglyceride sulfonate,sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl isoethionate, sodium laurethcarboxylate, sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof.Suitable nonionic surfactants include poloxamers, polyoxyethylenesorbitan esters, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates,tertiary amine oxides, tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulfoxides andmixtures thereof. Suitable amphoteric surfactants include derivatives ofC₈₋₂₀ aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines having an anionic groupsuch as carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate or phosphonate. Asuitable example is cocoamidopropyl betaine. In some embodiments, one ormore surfactants may be present in a total amount of from 1.75% to 2%w/w. In some embodiments, one or more surfactants may be present in atotal amount of from 1.8% to 2% w/w. In some embodiments, one or moresurfactants may be present in a total amount of from 1.9% to 2% w/w. Insome embodiments, one or more surfactants may be present in the totalamount of 2% w/w.

In some embodiments, the orally acceptable carrier further comprisesdispersants such as polymers and/or copolymers of polyethylene glycol,of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and of silicone. If suchcopolymers/polymers are used, they may be selected from the commerciallyavailable materials Pluraflo® L4370 and Pluracare® L1220 (available fromBASF, Wyandotte, Mich., United States of America). In some embodiments,the viscosity of the dentrifice is between 10,000 CPS and 700,000 CPS.In some embodiments, the viscosity of the dentrifice is between 30,000CPS and 300,000 CPS. In some embodiments, one or more dispersants arepresent in a total amount of from 2% to 55% w/w and preferably from 2%to 35% w/w.

Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a dental abrasive orcombination of dental abrasive agents. As used herein, the term“abrasive” or “abrasive agent” also includes materials commonly referredto as “polishing agents”. Suitable abrasives may include thosepreviously considered to be incompatible in a peroxide containingformulation (“a peroxide-incompatible abrasive”). Such abrasive is onewhich, in an aqueous solution with hydrogen peroxide, substantiallyreacts with the hydrogen peroxide so as to reduce whitening efficacy ofthe solution.

Any orally acceptable abrasive can be used, but preferably, type,fineness (particle size) and amount of abrasive should be selected sothat tooth enamel is not excessively abraded in normal use of thecomposition. Suitable abrasives include without limitation silica (inthe form of silica gel, hydrated silica or precipitated silica),alumina, insoluble phosphates, calcium carbonate, resinous abrasivessuch as urea-formaldehyde condensation products and the like. Amonginsoluble phosphates useful as abrasives are orthophosphates,polymetaphosphates and pyrophosphates. Illustrative examples aredicalcium orthophosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, β-calciumpyrophosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium polymetaphosphate andinsoluble sodium polymetaphosphate. Average particle size of anabrasive, if present, is generally 0.1 to 30 μm, for example 1 to 20 μmor 5 to 15 μm. In some embodiments, one or more abrasives is present inan amount of 0.1% to 40% w/w. In some embodiments, the abrasive iscalcium pyrophosphate. In some embodiments, the calcium pyrophosphate ispresent in an amount from 5% to 50% w/w.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the oral compositioncomprises an anticalculus agent. Generally, tartar control agents arecategorized as being incompatible with some whitening agents, but someembodiments of the present invention incorporate tartar control agentsand whitening agents in a single phase whitening composition. Suitableanticalculus agents include without limitation phosphates andpolyphosphates (for example pyrophosphates), polyaminopropanesulfonicacid (AMPS), hexametaphosphate salts, zinc citrate trihydrate,polypeptides, polyolefin sulfonates, polyolefin phosphates,diphosphonates. In some embodiments, the anticalculus agent is presentin an amount of 0.1% to 30% w/w. In some embodiments, the oral carecomposition comprises a mixture of anticalculus agents. In someembodiments, tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and sodiumtripolyphosphate (STPP) are used as the anticalculus agents. In someembodiments, the anticalculus agent comprises 1% to 2% w/w TSPP, and 0%to 7% w/w STPP.

In some embodiments, the oral care composition optionally comprises asource of fluoride ions. In some embodiments, the source of fluorideions is selected from: fluoride; monofluorophosphate; and fluorosilicatesalts. In some embodiments, one or more fluoride ion-releasing compoundsare optionally present in an amount providing a total of 100 to 20,000ppm, 200 to 5,000 ppm, or 500 to 2,500 ppm, fluoride ions.

In some embodiments, the composition optionally comprises a thickeningagent. Any orally acceptable thickening agent can be used, includingwithout limitation carbomers, also known as carboxyvinyl polymers,carrageenans, also known as Irish moss and more particularly-carrageenan (iota-carrageenan), high molecular weight polyethyleneglycols (such as CARBOWAX®, available from The Dow Chemical Company),cellulosic polymers such as hydroxyethylcellulose,carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and salts thereof, e.g., CMC sodium,natural gums such as karaya, xanthan, gum arabic and tragacanth,colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, and colloidal and/or fumed silicaand mixtures of the same. In some embodiments, the one or more optionalthickening agents are present in a total amount of 0.1% to 90% w/w. Insome embodiments, the one or more optional thickening agents are presentin a total amount of 1% to 50% w/w. In some embodiments, the one or moreoptional thickening agents are present in a total amount of 5% to 35%w/w.

Useful flavoring agents include any material or mixture of materialsoperable to enhance the taste of the composition. Any orally acceptablenatural or synthetic flavoring agent can be used, such as flavoringoils, flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols, similar materials, andcombinations thereof. Flavoring agents include vanillin, sage, marjoram,parsley oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, oil of wintergreen(methylsalicylate), peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, anise oil,eucalyptus oil, citrus oils, fruit oils and essences including thosederived from lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, apricot, banana, grape,apple, strawberry, cherry, pineapple, etc., bean- and nut-derivedflavors such as coffee, cocoa, cola, peanut, almond, etc., adsorbed andencapsulated flavorants, and mixtures thereof. Also encompassed withinflavoring agents herein are ingredients that provide fragrance and/orother sensory effect in the mouth, including cooling or warming effects.Such ingredients include menthol, menthyl acetate, menthyl lactate,camphor, eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, anethole, eugenol, cassia, oxanone,χ-irisone, propenyl guaiethol, thymol, linalool, benzaldehyde,cinnamaldehyde, N-ethyl-p-menthan-3-carboxamine,N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol,cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal (CGA), methone glycerol acetal (MGA) andmixtures thereof. In some embodiments, one or more flavoring agents areoptionally present in a total amount of 0.01% to 5% w/w. In someembodiments, one or more flavoring agents are optionally present in atotal amount of 0.05% to 2% w/w. In some embodiments, one or moreflavoring agents are optionally present in a total amount of 0.1% to2.5% w/w. In some embodiments, one or more flavoring agents areoptionally present in a total amount from 0.1% to 0.5% w/w. In someembodiments, one or more flavoring agents are optionally present in thetotal amount of 2.25% w/w.

Some embodiments optionally comprise a breath freshening agent. Anyorally acceptable breath freshening agent can be used, including withoutlimitation zinc salts such as zinc gluconate, zinc citrate and zincchlorite, —ionone and mixtures thereof. One or more breath fresheningagents are optionally present in a breath freshening effective totalamount.

Sweeteners among those useful herein include orally acceptable naturalor artificial, nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners. Such sweetenersinclude dextrose, polydextrose, sucrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invertsugar, mannose, xylose, ribose, fructose, levulose, galactose, cornsyrup (including high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup solids),partially hydrolyzed starch, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, sorbitol,mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, aspartame, neotame, saccharin andsalts thereof, sucralose, dipeptide-based intense sweeteners,cyclamates, dihydrochalcones and mixtures thereof. Some embodimentsoptionally comprise one or more sweeteners. In some embodiments, the oneor more optional sweeteners are present in a total amount from 0.005% to5% w/w. In some embodiments, the one or more optional sweeteners arepresent in a total amount from 0.01 to 1% w/w.

Colorants among those useful herein include pigments, dyes, lakes andagents imparting a particular luster or reflectivity such as pearlingagents. In some embodiments, colorants are operable to provide a whiteor light-colored coating on a dental surface, to act as an indicator oflocations on a dental surface that have been effectively contacted bythe composition, and/or to modify appearance, in particular color and/oropacity, of the composition to enhance attractiveness to the consumer.Any orally acceptable colorant can be used, including talc, mica,magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesiumaluminum silicate, silica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, red, yellow,brown and black iron oxides, ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, manganeseviolet, ultramarine, titaniated mica, bismuth oxychloride, FD&C dyes,and mixtures thereof. Some embodiments optionally comprise one or morecolorants in a total amount from 0.001% to 20% w/w. In some embodiments,the one or more optional colorants are present in a total amount from0.01% to 10% w/w. In some embodiments, the one or more optionalcolorants are present in a total amount from 0.1% to 5% w/w.

Humectants useful herein include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin,sorbitol, xylitol or low molecular weight PEGs. In some embodiments,humectants are operable to prevent hardening of paste or gelcompositions upon exposure to air. In some embodiments humectants alsofunction as sweeteners. Some embodiments comprise one or more humectantsin a total amount from 1% to 50% w/w. In some embodiments, the one ormore humectants are present in a total among from 2% to 25% w/w. In someembodiments, the one or more humectants are present in a total amongfrom 5% to 15% w/w.

pH modifying agents among those useful herein include acidifying agentsto lower pH, basifying agents to raise pH, and buffering agents tocontrol pH within a desired range. For example, one or more compoundsselected from acidifying, basifying and buffering agents can be includedto provide a pH of 2 to 10, or in various embodiments from 2 to 8, from3 to 9, from 4 to 8, from 5 to 7, from 6 to 10, and from 7 to 9. Anyorally acceptable pH modifying agent can be used, including withoutlimitation carboxylic, phosphoric and sulfonic acids, acid salts (e.g.,monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, monosodium malate, etc.), alkalimetal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, carbonates such as sodiumcarbonate, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, borates, silicates,phosphates (e.g., monosodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate,pyrophosphate salts, etc.), imidazole and mixtures thereof. One or morepH modifying agents are optionally present in a total amount effectiveto maintain the composition in an orally acceptable pH range.

In some embodiments, the compositions optionally comprise one or morefurther active material(s), operable for the prevention or treatment ofa condition or disorder of hard or soft tissue of the oral cavity; theprevention or treatment of a physiological disorder or condition; or toprovide a cosmetic benefit.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise stannous ion or astannous ion source. Suitable stannous ion sources include withoutlimitation stannous fluoride, other stannous halides such as stannouschloride dihydrate, stannous pyrophosphate, organic stannous carboxylatesalts such as stannous foimate, acetate, gluconate, lactate, tartrate,oxalate, malonate and citrate, stannous ethylene glyoxide and the like.In some embodiments, one or more stannous ion sources are optionallypresent in the total amount of 0.01% to 10% w/w. In some embodiments,one or more stannous ion sources are optionally present in the totalamount of 0.1% to 7% w/w. In other embodiments, one or more stannous ionsources are optionally present in the total amount of 1% to 5% w/w.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention furthercomprise an antimicrobial (e.g., antibacterial) agent. By way of exampleand not limitation, a list of useful antibacterial agents is reported inU.S. Pat. No. 5,776,435 to Gaffar et al., the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments,one or more antimicrobial agents are optionally present. In someembodiments, one or more antimicrobial agents are optionally present inthe amount of 0.05% to 10% w/w. In some embodiments, one or moreantimicrobial agents are optionally present in the amount of 0.1% to 3%w/w.

Some embodiments of the present invention optionally comprise anantioxidant. Any orally acceptable antioxidant can be used, includingbutylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), vitaminA, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid,herbal antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, and mixtures thereof.

Some embodiments of the present invention optionally comprise asialagogue or saliva-stimulating agent, an antiplaque agent, ananti-inflammatory agent, a desensitizing. Any orally acceptable salivastimulating agent can be used, including without limitation food acidssuch as citric, lactic, malic, succinic, ascorbic, adipic, fumaric, andtartaric acids, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the present invention can be prepared byconventional methods known to those skilled in the art. For example,compositions of the present invention can be prepared by adding andmixing the ingredients of the composition in a suitable vessel such as astainless steel tank provided with a mixer. In some embodiments, theingredients are added to the mixing vessel in the following order:diluent, thickening agent(s), peroxide composite (or other active) andany flavoring agent(s), colorant or sweetener. In some embodiments, theflavoring agent is dissolved in Pluraflo® L4370 and Pluracare® L1220. Insome embodiments, the Pluraflo L4370 and Pluracare® L1220 are then addedand the solution is mixed for five minutes. In some embodiments, theperoxide or other whitening agent is added and the solution is mixed for20 minutes until the mixture is homogenous. Additional ingredients suchas coloring or sweeteners are added at any point during the mixingprocess but in various embodiments, such ingredients are preferablyadded last or close to last.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of whiteningan oral surface in a human or animal subject. As used herein “animalsubject” includes higher order non-human mammals such as canines,felines, and horses.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method ofimproving patient compliance with an oral care composition, comprisingapplying to an oral surface an effective amount of any one of the oralcare compositions described herein.

In some embodiments, the oral care composition is applied and contactedwith the oral surface. In some embodiments, the dentifrice is appliedregularly to an oral surface, preferably on a daily basis, at least onetime daily for multiple days, but alternately every second or third day.In other embodiments, the oral care composition is applied to an oralsurface from 1 to 3 times daily, for at least 2 weeks. In furtherembodiments, the oral care composition is applied to an oral surfacefrom 1 to 3 times daily, up to 8 weeks. In still other embodiments, theoral care composition is applied to an oral surface from 1 to 3 timesdaily, for a period of four months to three years. In some embodiments,the oral care composition is applied to the oral surfaces from 1 to 3times daily, for a period in excess of 3 years.

The invention will now be further described by the followingnon-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the oral care composition isapplied and contacted with the oral surface. In some embodiments, thedentifrice is applied regularly to an oral surface, preferably on adaily basis, at least one time daily for multiple days, but alternatelyevery second or third day. In other embodiments, the oral carecomposition is applied to an oral surface from 1 to 3 times daily, forat least 2 weeks. In further embodiments, the oral care composition isapplied to an oral surface from 1 to 3 times daily, up to 8 weeks. Instill other embodiments, the oral care composition is applied to an oralsurface from 1 to 3 times daily, for a period of four months to threeyears. In some embodiments, the oral care composition is applied to theoral surfaces from 1 to 3 times daily, for a period in excess of 3years.

The invention will now be further described by the followingnon-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Table 1 below provides examples of oral dentifrice compositionscontaining an enhanced amount of sodium lauryl sulfate and a low watercontent.

TABLE 1 % Raw Material Ingredient 1 2 3 4 5 6 Water 0.000 0.000 0.0002.000 0 0 Phosphoric Acid 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 PlurafloL4370 20.610 20.610 20.610 29.360 Pluracare L1220 15.000 15.000 25.00025.000 10.000 5.000 PEG600 10.000 10.000 10.000 10.000 10.000 Glycerin5.000 5.000 47.36 Propylene Glycol 5.000 10.000 25.000 15.00 HEC 1.000Fumed Silica 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.250 1.500 PVP Polyplasdone XL-10 9.500BHT 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 PVP Peroxide 11.000 11.00011.000 11.000 5.500 5.500 TSPP 2.000 2.000 2.000 2.000 2.000 2.000Saccharin 0.800 0.800 0.800 0.800 0.600 0.600 Sucralose 0.150 0.1500.150 0.150 0.050 0.050 SLS 1.2-2.0 1.2-2.0 1.2-2.0 1.2-2.0 2.000 2.000Calcium Pyrophosphate 24.5-23.7 23.5-22.7 24.5-23.7   24-23.2 35.110 0MFP 0.760 0.760 0.760 0.760 0.760 0.760 Flavoring agent 2.250 2.2502.250 2.250 2.250 2.000

Example 2

Table 2 (below) reports organoleptic evaluation scores/ratings obtainedfrom an experienced flavorist. In these compositions, the sodium laurylsulfate (“SLS”) content was varied, while the flavoring agent contentremained constant (2.25% w/w). The experienced flavorist rated thesecompositions on a scale of 0-6, with a rating of 6 being most preferred.As shown in Table 2, the compositions possessing an SLS content equal toor greater than 1.75% w/w, demonstrated dramatic improvement in ratingcompared to compositions containing 1.2% w/w SLS.

TABLE 2 % SLS Rating 2.00 5.5 1.75 4.5 1.2 2.5

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the preceding descriptionand examples, or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capableof embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract,are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

1. An oral care composition comprising: a whitening agent, wherein thewhitening agent is bound; an anionic surfactant present in an amountfrom 1.75% to 2.0% w/w; and an orally acceptable carrier having a totalconcentration of water of 0% to 4% w/w and wherein the water content ofthe oral care composition is less than 4% w/w.
 2. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. 3.The composition of claim 1, wherein the whitening agent is a boundperoxide.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the bound peroxidecompound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide,peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals, organic peroxy compounds,peroxy acids, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and mixturesthereof.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the bound peroxide ishydrogen peroxide and is present in an amount from 0.1% to 2% w/w. 6.The composition of claim 5, wherein the bound peroxide is hydrogenperoxide and is present in an amount from 1% to 2% w/w.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 3, wherein the bound peroxide includes a peroxidecompound and a cross-linked polymer.
 8. The composition of claim 7,wherein the cross-linked polymer is selected from the group consistingof polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylate, a polymethacrylate andpolyitaconates.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the whiteningagent is present in an amount from 0.1% to 30% w/w.
 10. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is present in an amount from1.8% to 2% w/w.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionicsurfactant is present in the amount of 2% w/w.
 12. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the water content of the orally acceptable carrier isfrom 0% to 2% w/w.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the watercontent of the orally acceptable carrier is from 0% to 1% w/w.
 14. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the water content of the orallyacceptable carrier is less than 0.1% w/w.
 15. The composition of claim1, wherein the orally acceptable carrier is selected from the groupconsisting of polymers and copolymers of polyethylene glycol, ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide.
 16. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecarrier further comprises fumed silica, an abrasive, a poloxamer and aflavoring agent.
 17. The composition of claim 1, further comprising afluoride salt.
 18. The composition of claim 1, further comprising anactive agent selected from the group consisting of an antimicrobialagent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a zinc salt and triclosan.
 19. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a singlephase.
 20. A method of improving patient compliance with an oral carecomposition, comprising applying to an oral surface an effective amountof the oral care composition of claim
 1. 21. A method of whitening atooth surface, the method comprising contacting the tooth surface with acomposition of claim
 1. 22. An oral care composition according to claim1 for use in a method of improving patient compliance with an oral carecomposition, said method comprising applying to an oral surface aneffective amount of the oral care composition.
 23. An oral carecomposition according to claim 1 for use in a method of whitening atooth surface, said method comprising contacting the tooth surface withthe oral care composition.